Pin it Chewy, wholesome granola bars packed with oats, seeds, and a touch of honey—perfect for bulk prep and healthy snacking in lunchboxes.
I started making granola bars when my kids requested healthier snacks for school. They love the chewy texture, and I like knowing exactly what goes into them.
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Ingredients
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: 3 cups
- Crispy rice cereal: 1 cup
- Raw sunflower seeds: 1/2 cup
- Chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans): 1/2 cup
- Mini chocolate chips (optional): 1/2 cup
- Dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, or apricots), chopped: 1/2 cup
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Ground cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon
- Honey or maple syrup: 1/2 cup
- Creamy peanut butter or almond butter: 1/2 cup
- Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
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Instructions
- Prep the pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
- Combine dry ingredients:
- Mix oats, rice cereal, sunflower seeds, nuts, chocolate chips (if using), dried fruit, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl.
- Prepare wet mixture:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, peanut butter, and butter. Stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract.
- Mix everything:
- Pour wet mixture over dry ingredients and stir until evenly coated.
- Press and bake:
- Transfer mixture to the pan and press down firmly and evenly. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until edges are golden brown.
- Cool and cut:
- Let cool completely in the pan. Lift out using parchment overhang and cut into bars.
- Store:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze for longer storage.
Pin it My family loves packing these bars for road trips. Even picky eaters seem to enjoy every bite, and they rarely last more than a day at our house.
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Required Tools
9x13-inch baking pan, parchment paper, large mixing bowl, small saucepan, measuring cups and spoons, spatula
Allergen Information
Contains peanuts (or tree nuts), dairy (if using butter), and possible gluten if oats are not certified gluten-free. Double-check all ingredient labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information (per bar)
Calories: 185, Total Fat: 8 g, Carbohydrates: 25 g, Protein: 4 g
Pin it 
Cut these bars just before serving for the chewiest texture. They'll quickly become your go-to snack recipe.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What makes these bars chewy?
The combination of peanut butter, honey, and butter creates a sticky mixture that binds the dry ingredients, resulting in a chewy texture.
- → Can I substitute nuts for seeds?
Yes, you can replace nuts with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds or use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
- → How should I store these granola bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer freshness.
- → Is it possible to make these bars vegan?
Maple syrup can replace honey, and plant-based butters can be used instead of dairy butter to make these bars vegan-friendly.
- → Can I add extra ingredients for nutrition?
Yes, shredded coconut or flaxseed can be added to the mixture to enhance nutritional value.
